Charitable Projects

Every day, Southeastern Indiana REMC members have the opportunity to make a difference in their communities simply by rounding up their electric bill to the nearest dollar. Those spare pennies may seem small on their own, but when thousands of members participate in Operation RoundUp®, those contributions add up to meaningful support for local organizations and projects throughout southeastern Indiana. It’s a powerful example of how small acts of generosity can create lasting community change.

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Since its inception, Operation RoundUp has provided funding to countless nonprofits, emergency service organizations, schools, youth programs, and community initiatives throughout southeastern Indiana. While each grant may support a different cause, they all share a common goal: improving the quality of life for the people who call our communities home.

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The concept behind Operation RoundUp is simple. Participating members voluntarily allow their monthly electric bill to be rounded up to the next whole dollar. Those extra cents—typically averaging only a few dollars per year for each member—are pooled together and administered by the Operation RoundUp Board of Trustees. The result is a fund that provides financial assistance to organizations and projects that benefit residents across Southeastern Indiana REMC’s service territory.

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What makes the program unique is that the impact comes directly from members helping members. No single contribution is large on its own, but when thousands of members participate, the collective impact becomes significant. It’s a powerful example of the cooperative principle of concern for community in action.

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Over the years, Operation RoundUp grants have helped support a wide range of local needs. Funding has assisted food pantries serving families facing hardship, volunteer fire departments purchasing equipment, youth organizations creating opportunities for children, and community groups working to improve local facilities and services. These investments help strengthen the communities where our members live, work, and raise their families.

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Each year, organizations throughout our service area submit applications requesting funding for projects that align with the program’s mission. The Operation RoundUp Board of Trustees carefully reviews each application and evaluates how the requested funds will benefit local residents. Their thoughtful stewardship helps ensure member contributions are used responsibly and effectively.

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In July, the Board of Trustees will once again gather to review applications submitted during the most recent funding cycle. While the projects may vary from year to year, the purpose remains the same: supporting initiatives that create positive and lasting impacts throughout southeastern Indiana.

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As we celebrate the power of community in this month’s issue, Operation RoundUp serves as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with small acts of generosity. By working together, Southeastern Indiana REMC members continue to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors and help strengthen the communities we all share.

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That’s the cooperative difference—and that’s the power of community.